One of the four pillars of the mission of Bishop Carroll Catholic High School is Heart. The students of Bishop Carroll have big hearts! Over the course of the past year, November 2020 through October 2021, the students have contributed over $10,000 towards various charities! In addition, hundreds of hours have been devoted to projects, as well as countless amounts of in-kind gifts.
As Jesus said, “When you care for the least of my people, you cared for me.” BC students truly care for those less fortunate. Each year, Thanksgiving food bags are collected, worth over $40 each. Close to 20 bags of food are collected so that others can have a Happy Thanksgiving. A canned good drive was completed during Catholic Schools Week to benefit the Dorothy Day Center at Saint Francis University, and recently during spirit week, a collection was taken up for Catholic Charities Martha and Mary Homeless Shelter. To help others have a wonderful Christmas, the students and staff participate in the Angel Tree program, bringing in gifts of all values for the project. Going by the adage that no gift is too small, items brought in range from just a few dollars to more expensive things.
For the last several years, our students have sponsored a child from Guatemala named Elmer through Compassion International. Collections from our school Masses and other service projects go towards the support of Elmer and other children living in poverty. During Lent, money is also collected towards the Rice Bowl program.
The Bishop Carroll community also shows their support for those fighting cancer. T-shirts have been sold to support the 1889 Foundation, a No-Shave November contest to support the No Shave November foundation, and a teal out occurred on Husky Hill in September to support those fighting ovarian cancer. Bishop Carroll also sponsors a Relay for Life team. Additionally, a Sideline Cancer basketball game is also planned.
Students also designed and sold t-shirts to benefit the Wounded Warrior campaign in the spring, and the boy’s basketball team is planning another fundraiser game to support the campaign. The students have also bought breakfast and lunch for local first responders as well as delivered treats to them.
The National Honor Society sponsors two blood drives each year through the American Red Cross, collecting desperately needed blood products for our local area. Many of these service projects are created, designed, and carried out by the students, with only minimal guidance from the faculty and staff of the school. While this list does not cover everything, it demonstrates how willing our students are to aid those in need. The public is always welcome to participate in these various fundraisers, or encouraged to make donation separately to these worthy causes. Our students are grateful for what they have and are always willing to give back and pay it forward!